Come springtime in the Upper School, in preparation for the seniors to leave, different student groups try to attract new members to ensure a solid turnout for their cause in the next school year.

For People for Environmental Protection (PEP), this was a necessary goal, as their membership count for the 2015-16 school year was 4, two of whom were seniors.

Senior Co-President Ora Hammel made an announcement during a Friday assembly speaking to PEP’s cause and asking that anyone who is interested attend a meeting. Hammel’s assembly announcement inspired junior Maya Kachian to step up.

“[After the assembly announcement], I realized that the most popular clubs in the school focus on people or things that have a voice, who can defend themselves. PEP struggling with members hit me because the earth needs people to speak up because it can’t speak up for itself, and if no one else was going to do it, I wanted to do it,” Kachian said.

Kachian and other group members are already brainstorming for the upcoming year, producing lots of excitement.

“We have a ton of ideas like solar panels and a greenhouse for starters. Revamping PEP is going to be a big push towards something everyone can get behind and we feel that a greenhouse, for example, is something people will speak up for,” Kachian said.

With new, inspired leaders coming in and lots of time for the group to make an impact, they hope lots of students join the club.

“We hope our new initiatives and what not will bring lots of new members next year. Come join PEP!” Kachian said.